Hajj 2023: Saudi Arabia begins training international pilgrim leaders

More than 30 group heads were in Kuala Lumpur and 31,600 pilgrims from Malaysia are expected in this year's Hajj

Leaders of Hajj groups at the training session in Malaysia. Photo: Ministry of Hajj and Umrah

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on Monday held its first training session for leaders of Hajj groups at Tabung Haji, in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur.

The programme was launched to train leaders of foreign groups before their arrival in the kingdom. It aims to enhance the quality of service for pilgrims and enable a hassle-free trip to the kingdom.

Additional sessions will be held in other countries.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al Rabiah oversaw the first session in Malaysia, where more than 30 local Hajj group heads were present. It was held under the directives of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The programme covers all aspect of performing Hajj and crowd management.

Dr Al Rabiah said that Saudi Arabia will welcome 31,600 pilgrims from Malaysia this year, as the kingdom prepares to receive two million pilgrims during the 2023 Hajj season.

Last month India announced that it had abolished the VIP quota for pilgrims and has allowed single women to apply, according to the rules of the kingdom.

A total of 175,000 pilgrims are expected to travel from India for Hajj this year.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed that priority for registration this year will go to those who have not made the pilgrimage before.

The ministry opened registration for Hajj in 2023 for pilgrims living in the kingdom, with the price of packages beginning at 3,984 riyals ($1,062).